Bangkok
International and Domestic Airport - Don Muang

Review
and travel tips for Bangkok International and Domestic Airport,
Don Muang

- Notice
- from September 28, 2006 at 3am all commercial flights in and out of
Thailand, and also all domestic flights land and depart from
Bangkok's new International Airport - Suvarnabhumi,
Since then the airport hotel is the Novotel
Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel - end Notice
-

This
review is valid only while Don Muang is still in full commercial
operation - Bangkok
Airport is split into three major terminals, two International (1 and 2)
and the domestic terminal. Don Muang as it is called, may not be the
most sophisticated airport in the world but it works, and is well spread
out with handy electronic walk ways, throughout the airport.

All three
terminals are connected land side via air conditioned passage way, it
would take roughly 20 minutes to walk from the domestic terminal to
International terminal 1.

Inside
the airport there are food and beverage outlets, even pubs to help you
pass the time. However most of these are before
you pass through immigration. In between terminal 1 and 2 you will
find on the second level, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza
Hut, a Thai restaurant, and a couple of Pubs the best of which is the
Hofbrauhaus.

Once
however you have passed through immigration, which can take a long time
depending what time you actually are departing your choice is very
limited. There is a Kentucky Fried Chicken, which can be found close to
the security pass for gates 40-49, and there is also a small restaurant
style cafeteria which is on the second level, upstairs. The choice is
very limited and consists of mainly a few Thai dishes. There are also a
few little cafe style cafeterias dotted around the airport, which serve
delicacies such as hot dogs and a few sandwiches. Other than that, the
only other place for food and beverage, would really be the lounges
which you can only access, if a) your are travelling in the appropriate
class (namely business or first), b) you are a "Gold" card
member with that airlines frequent flyer programme, c) You belong to a
club such as Priority or d) you pay.

Depending
what time your flight is leaving, passing through immigration can take
anywhere from 5 minutes to 40 minutes or even longer. As I write this I
am sat aboard Thai airways and the queue in immigration was frightening,
a whole group of tourists seemed to descend upon the immigration queues,
just as I arrived. There are ways to avoid these minor inconveniences,
if you are travelling Thai, and you are in business or first class then
the ladies and gentlemen in white coats (no jokes please !) will escort
you through immigration without you even having to queue. These kind
people can be found at the special check in areas, for first and
business class Thai Airways, some other airlines do also offer this
'Fast Track' service so check with the airline when you check in .

Once you
have passed through immigration you can then either go to the lounge (if
applicable as stated above), go shopping, or simply laze around.

The
lounges at Don Muang are generally very good, yet basic, with a lot of
airlines having just finished their lounge renovations, most lounges at
this airport are non smoking. One exception to this is Thai. Thai has
three lounges for business class passengers and the one situated in the
middle of the airport offers guests a smoking lounge on the upper floor,
as does their newest lounge which offers great views of the airport.

As for
shopping at Don Muang, the airport consists of one Duty Free outlet, King Power Duty Free.
All general Duty Free items are available at reasonable prices. There are other shops scattered
around, however it generally tends to be cheaper to buy the same goods
in downtown Bangkok, especially such as books etc. so do think about what you need to take back before
leaving.

The
Domestic terminal is very simple, they have a very basic Thai airways
business class lounge, and about three Burger Kings in the one terminal
!

Book
shops can be found in each of the terminals but as mentioned before the
choice is limited and more often than not the same book may have been
cheaper downtown.

If you
are arriving at Bangkok International Airport, you will be able to buy
Duty Free before passing through customs. These shops are just after
immigration and are located at either end of the baggage reclaim area.
Cigarettes are a good buy with a packet of Dunhill International Red
costing 490 Baht but alcohol tends to be a little expensive, a bottle of
Balvenie 10 yo will cost you roughly 1,600 Baht. Wine is definitely
expensive so if you enjoy a good claret then bring it in with you.

If you
are meeting friends at the airport be SURE to ask which way out of
customs you should turn. At the domestic terminal this will not be a
problem however in both the International Terminals this can cause
confusion and mild panic, as you can turn both right and left !
Generally the meeting area is on the left if you have your back to
customs, however the right side is always less crowded and you will find
your friends/family much easier here.